European Parliament approves EU plan to phase out imports of Russian gas
The decision was made on Wednesday during a plenary session in Strasbourg: 500 MEPs voted in favor, 120 against, and 32 abstained, Ukrinform reports, citing the European Parliament press service.
“Today's vote sends a clear and powerful message: Europe will never again be dependent on Russian gas. This is a major achievement for the EU and a historic turning point in European energy policy. We have strengthened the European Commission’s initial proposal by introducing a pathway towards a ban on oil and its products, ending long-term contracts sooner than originally proposed, and securing penalties for non-compliance,” said Inese Vaidere, lead MEP for the International Trade Committee.
Lawmakers accelerated the timeline for the gradual termination of most contracts. Imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be banned six weeks after the regulation comes into force, allowing a transitional period for existing contracts.
For already concluded short-term contracts, the ban on Russian gas imports will apply from April 25, 2026, for LNG and from June 17, 2026, for pipeline gas. For long-term LNG contracts, the ban will take effect on January 1, 2027, and for long-term pipeline contracts, on September 30, 2027.
Members of the European Parliament also obliged the European Commission to present a legislative proposal at the beginning of 2026 to ban Russian oil, so that it could come into effect as soon as possible, but no later than the end of 2027.
To close loopholes and reduce the risk of circumvention, operators will be required to provide customs authorities with detailed proof of the origin of gas before import or storage.
This legislative ban still requires formal approval by the EU Council, expected at the beginning of 2026
As reported by Ukrinform, in early December, the EU Council presidency and representatives of the European Parliament reached a preliminary agreement on the regulation for the gradual cessation of Russian natural gas imports by 2027.
Photo: Unsplash
